How is Nasa planning to deal w/the psychology of a long space flight to Mars?

Question

Wouldn't there be a potiential for ppl going off on each other, perhaps even hurting/killing each other bc of "cabin fever"?

Answer 1

They have a very simple and devious plan, they don't plan on sending anyone.

Answer 2

every astronaut candidate is examined from head to toe. They undergoe both mental and physical evaluations. Upon selection, they are trained in every aspect possible, including mental preparedness. As Bob Cabana said, "It's like drinking from a fire hose and trying to swallow every bit". They are 100 percent ready for anything. Before ever leaving Earth they train in so many different situations that when they finally launch, it's "easy" to them.

Edit-

NASA already has ways for relatives to contact the astronauts during their missions. (The poster with all of the symbols is incorrect) They send emails and talk via webcam to their loved ones.

Answer 3

I am very glad that some people understand the possible psychological effects of leaving Earth for that long. One of the multiple regerous tests that NASA astronauts have to go through is a complete psychological evaluation.

I think that hunting and killing may be a bit extreme, but I do imagine that the saftey of the astronauts would be compromised by these psychological problems. I could see people getting mad at one another, because of not having any visual contact with people on Earth. NASA is working on a video/audio device so the relatives of the astronauts could talk to their relatives up in space. But even at that, it wouldn't be an easy trip.

Thanks for bringing this up... it isn't a well known problem and I'm glad your brought it up.

Answer 4

They'll be sending only the most mellow of candidates, who have trained as a team.  Oh yeah, and they all get to Phone Home.